Chair's Column

Finally it’s the season that most all South Carolinians wish to have year round…Fall. Where rock rubbing and towel twirling in public with 80,000 watching is a deafening celebration spectacle.

On September 6 and 7th we held our District Mid-year Activities, a two-part event that takes months in planning by the members of the Capital District Executive Committee. The Capital District Scholarship Golf Tournament generated over $5,000 to our scholarship fund. At the Mid-year District Meeting, we highlighted the efforts of the golf tournament and the district scholarship committee. Phillip Dieckmann recognized our gracious sponsors of our events who keep the Capital District capable of providing valuable training and services to our membership. Betsy Catchings recognized our special guests in attendance, the FOUR District Scholarship Winners: Emily Blair, Riley Blais, Aylissa Damsen, and Joel Neuder. Congratulations to these deserving recipients!

Since the Mid-Year Meeting, we have had a change in a District Executive Committee officer. Erin Daugherty will be replaced (but not forgotten) in her role as District Secretary. We wish Erin the greatest of success in her career back home in Arizona. In Erin’s departure, Erin was excited to announce that Liz O’Sell agreed to take the reins of secretary for the Capital District. Though Liz wasn’t currently part of the District Executive Committee, she had already shown the willingness to jump into volunteer opportunities within the District. Thank you Liz for taking on this role. The Capital District EC is a well-oiled machine of other volunteers like you.

Finally, as most members are now aware, WEASC has received the resignation of the Executive Director, Heather Beard. Heather has been a valuable part in growing and strengthening our organization these past few years.

When I was first "dragged" to my first WEASC meeting by Bill Davis, I remember meeting two people, Jimmy Wigglesworth and Heather Beard. All three have continued to mold, push, and pull me into a highly active member of WEASC, some "voluntold" roles, and other roles where I felt I could be of value to the association. All of these experiences have allowed me to grow in my professional career and as a person. I will forever be grateful for their confidence in me. We wish Heather a great success in her future endeavors. Thank you!

As always for our members… promote the advancement of the water environment profession, protect and enhance our environment, and build alliances with others for the betterment of the world we live in. If you have any input or suggestions to make to the WEASC Capital District, please feel free to pass them along to clint.riley@aecom.com or any Capital District Executive Committee member.